UFC's Jeremy Stephens released from jail, maintains innocence

After spending 12 days in jails in both Minnesota and Iowa, Jeremy Stephens (20-8 MMA, 7-6 UFC) has been freed from incarceration.

Stephens’ management team today released a statement on the matter on the fighter’s official website, and MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed with Polk County Jail officials that the lightweight is no longer in custody.

“Jeremy’s legal team is already hard at work to prove what many already know: he is not guilty of the crimes he’s been accused of,” the statement read.

Stephens was arrested earlier this month in Minneapolis on a warrant for willful injury and assault causing bodily injury. The alleged incident took place in Des Moines, Iowa, on Oct. 15, 2011.

According to a police report obtained by MMAjunkie.com, the alleged assault took place late at night outside Fat Tony’s bar in Des Moines. The wife of the victim says Stephens punched him after he was removed from the bar. The victim then leaned against the building and was punched in the head and face by Stephens’ associate Dustin Bachman, the report said.

The victim’s wife helped him into their car and was attempting to lock the doors when Bachman pulled him out of the vehicle by his feet, and Bachman and Stephens punched and kicked him in the head for approximately a minute, according to the report. The woman attempted to protect him after he was knocked unconscious and also was hit in her right arm, which caused swelling and bruising, the report said.

A supplemental police report states Bachman and Stephens then fled the scene as the victim lay on the ground. The victim temporarily stopped breathing before being driven to a local hospital, where he again stopped breathing and was intubated.

UFC President Dana White spent the day of Stephens’ arrest trying to get him out of jail in time for a planned UFC on FX 5 bout with Yves Edwards that never materialized. Stephens maintained his innocence throughout the process, and the UFC boss stood firmly by his side.

“We heard about this thing a long time ago,” White told MMAjunkie.com. “Jeremy Stephens’ side of the story is that he never hit the guy. It wasn’t him. It was one of his friends, and they were all together, and he hit the guy. The guys were accusing him of hitting the guy because they’re trying to get money out of him. Because he’s a UFC guy, they think they can make money off of him or whatever. That’s his side of the story, and I like Jeremy Stephens. He’s a good kid. I’ve known him for years, and if that’s what he tells me, I take grown men for their word.

“These guys, they’re in business with me, and if that’s what he tells me the story is, am I going to call him a liar?”

Today’s statement said Stephens has tried to remain upbeat throughout the ordeal.

“While Jeremy’s employer, his family, friends, and loyal fans have stood behind him, certainly the recent events have garnered some negative media attention,” the statement reads. “Jeremy felt it was very important to thank each and every one of those who have stood by his side during this tough time. He wanted everyone to know that despite the negative situation that he’s been placed in, he has remained upbeat and positive, reflecting on the opportunities that have been and will be presented to him, reflecting on his family, and his firm believe [sic] in his innocence.”

As the UFC 189 tour made its last stop in Dublin, featherweight champ Jose Aldo was met with a torrent of abuse from the Irish fans. It might have been unpleasant, but it might also have been just what he needed.